September 6, 2024

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Concerning Survey Findings

A recent survey by the Australian Road Safety Foundation (ARSF) reveals that 39% of NSW drivers admit to breaking the law on regional roads, believing it to be safe. The study also found that Sydney-based drivers are more likely to disregard rural road safety compared to rural drivers.

Selfish Driving on the Rise

ARSF chair Russell White attributes these findings to a shift toward selfish driving attitudes, particularly since the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. He notes that people are less patient and more likely to take risks on the road, often with a sense of impunity due to past experiences where no negative consequences occurred.

The Human Cost of Unsafe Driving

The research coincides with the launch of Rural Road Safety Month. 811 sunflowers were laid to commemorate lives lost on rural and regional roads in 2023, highlighting the human cost of unsafe driving.

Jarwin Rooney, who lost his mother in a car accident 18 months ago, shared his personal experience and urged drivers to prioritize safety and consider the impact their actions have on others.

Call for Change

While the survey findings are concerning, Mr. White is encouraged that most respondents acknowledge the positive impact of road safety campaigns. He emphasizes the need to focus on the human factor in road safety, advocating for individual responsibility and safer driving practices.

Conclusion

This article sheds light on the concerning trends in driver behavior and the urgent need for greater awareness and responsibility on the roads. It serves as a poignant reminder that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.